Christ Church Colliers Wood

Gazing up at the spire of Christ Church Colliers Wood, imagine the fields that once surrounded it. Christ Church Colliers Wood stands as a testament to the growth of this area. Originally built in 1874 to serve the expanding population of north Mitcham, Christ Church Colliers Wood was a vital part of the community. The church, nestled on Christchurch Road in Colliers Wood, London, has witnessed significant changes over the years. Its construction was made possible by the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Harris of Gorringe Park. They donated a substantial sum, somewhere between £6,000 and £7,000. This covered most of the £4,283 building cost, as reported by The Builder magazine in July 1874. The Harrises’ generosity extended further. They also funded the construction of a parsonage and a mission room nearby. The land itself was partially gifted by Emanuel College. Designed by Messrs. Francis of London, the church originally contained 550 seats. The original name for the area was Singlegate, not Singleton, as some historical records mistakenly state. In 1944, a flying bomb struck the church, causing significant damage. The reconstruction involved a new roof and ceiling for the nave. The chancel roof was painstakingly rebuilt using salvaged timbers. A new east window was installed. The south porch was also rebuilt on the old foundations. Windows from the damaged church hall were salvaged and reused in the main church building. The stained glass in the chancel and west window dates back to 1953, marking the completion of the restoration. The church features a nave, chancel, organ chamber, vestry, north aisle, and tower rooms. The south porch serves as the main entrance. A tower at the southwest corner houses the bells and bell-ringing chamber, topped by a distinctive spire. The six bells within the tower date back to 1884. The church’s construction features load-bearing yellow London stock bricks, accented by Bath stone dressings around the windows and buttresses. The main roofs are slated, and the spire is covered in shingles. A chapelry boundary stone, originally located on Streatham Road, was moved to the church grounds in 1968 for safekeeping. This relocation was suggested by Eric Montague. Today, Christ Church Colliers Wood continues to serve the community, standing as a symbol of resilience and community spirit amidst the bustling urban landscape.